In our last devotional, we discussed how the parent-child relationship lays the foundation of all relationships in our lives. We focused on our relationship with our parents. Today we’re going to look at the other side, which is the relationship with the child. 

Now, not all of us have children. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the opportunity to step up and practice the principles of the parent-child relationship with a young person who God has brought into your life.  

The Bible has clear directions for parenting or caring for a child. In Ephesians 6, Paul says that parents should not “provoke your children to wrath.” Provoke means to call forth or to excite or stir up. Colossians 3:21 echoes this: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”  

Parents provoke their children when they act toward their children in ways that violate the justly held relational expectations that children have of parents.  

According to the Child Development Institute, there are four essential qualities of the parent-child relationship:  

• Safety  

• Unconditional love  

• Mutual Respect  

•Acceptance  

A healthy parent-child relationship with these qualities allows a child to establish secure bonds and friendships. A child in this situation is better at regulating their emotions when faced with stress and difficult situations. Finally, secure attachment with parents helps promote a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development.  

What will solidify all of this, is the latter part of Ephesians 6:4: “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” You’ve got to share and show the Gospel to children every day and every opportunity you get. Teach them to love God and others unconditionally. Show them how to be a safe place and teach them to respect God, themselves and others; as well as meet others where they are – just as Jesus does for them.